SDHSAA considering transgender policy for student-athletes

PIERRE – The South Dakota High School Activities Association is considering a policy on transgender students.

The policy would allow students to participate in activities according to their identified gender, not necessarily the gender listed on their records. A transgender person is defined in the policy as someone who doesn't identify with the gender assigned to them at birth.

The activities association governs high school sports and fine arts events across the state.

Schools must first review requests by transgender students or guardians and decide which team the student can participate on. Then a Gender Identification Eligibility Committee will make the final ruling. The committee will consist of experts familiar with transgender health and gender identity.

Students must seek the designation for genuine reasons and not to gain an unfair competitive advantage.

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